Top five: Greatest Dutch players of all-time

The Dutch created 'Total Football', and they also created some world class players.

The trio of Rijkaard, Gullit and Van Basten at Milan was the greatest Dutch combination of all-time but there have also been many other great players to play for the Netherlands.

Here, we take a look at the top five greatest Dutch stars:

5. Edwin van der Sar (Ajax, Juventus, Fulham and Manchester United)

Netherland's most capped player, Van der Sar is also the greatest Dutch goalkeeper of all time. Van der Sar won the Champions League with Ajax and Manchester United, breaking numerous records in the process.

Van Der Sar didn't concede a single goal for 1,311 minutes while at Manchester United, a record which still stands tall. He was also the first goalkeeper to keep 50 clean-sheets in the UEFA Champions League. He didn't achieve too much success with the Dutch but was named in the Euro 2008 team of the tournament.

4. Ruud Gullit (HFC Haarlem, PSV, Feyernood, Milan etc.)

Arguably one of the most versatile footballers ever, Gullit could play in virtually any position. He played for numerous clubs but most of his success came while at Milan where he won 12 trophies.

Gullit also captained the Dutch side to Euro 88 glory, becoming the first ever Dutch captain to lift international silverware.

3. Dennis Bergkamp (Ajax, Inter and Arsenal)

One of the most skilled players to grace the game, Bergkamp's technique was second to none. His goal against Newcastle will still be remembered as one of the most magical moments in football.

He could score and create goals, getting 37 goals for his national side. His dribbling and shooting ability were unreal and he came in the top three of the Ballon D'or for two seasons in a row.

2. Marco Van Basten (Ajax and Milan)

The most prolific Dutch scorer of all time, Van Basten scored a goal per game in his career. Winner of 18 trophies between Ajax and Milan, Van Basten helped his teams win many trophies in his illustrious career.

Van Basten was also part of the Euro 88 winning side. With exactly 300 goals scored in his career, Van Basten was one of the greatest Dutch footballers of all time.

1. Johan Cruyff (Ajax, Barcelona etc.)

Cruff enjoyed most of his success at Barcelona and Ajax and re-invented football with the 'Cruyff-turn' and the inception of total football.

Cruyff is the one who made Dutch football famous and he helped the Netherlands become a force to reckon with in football. He won 20 trophies with Ajax, helping them to many league titles and he also made Barcelona win the league after a long drought. He introduced the tiki-taka style of football at Barcelona and laid the foundations for them to become a great club side.

Three times winner of the coveted Ballon D'or, Cruyff is arguably one of the greatest players to ever grace the game. Cruyff scored 401 goals from midfield in his illustrious career.

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DISCLAIMER

This article has been written by a member of the GiveMeSport Writing Academy and does not represent the views of
GiveMeSport.com or SportsNewMedia. The views and opinions expressed are solely that of the author credited at the top of this article.
GiveMeSport.com and SportsNewMedia do not take any responsibility for the content of its contributors.

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